About the SAT

Understand the SAT test

What is the SAT?

Breaking Down The Test

There are four compulsory sections to complete in the SAT Test: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator) and Math with calculator. These four sections are scored out of a total of 1600. The essay is optional though some top universities consider it essential in your application. SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores.

Passages
• Classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature.
• U.S. founding document or an inspired text in the Great Global Conversation
• Economics, Psychology, Sociology, or other social sciences.
• Foundational concepts and developments in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Focus
• Understanding of the Given Passage
• Effective Use of Textual Evidence
• Examining author’s use of persuasive techniques
• Supporting and developing claims with given evidence
• Organized and precise with appropriate style and tone

Learn the Difference Between These Two Tests

The SAT vs. The ACT

A common question we often hear is “What’s the difference between the SAT and ACT?” Both tests are accepted by most universities in the US. However, as they have slight differences, it is recommended that candidates should take the test which they would fare better in. Some students even choose to attempt both before submitting the test with the best score.

Should you be unable to decide which test might be more suitable for you, a good way to gauge your expertise is to attempt a full length practice test for both. IvyPrep offers free diagnostic tests for both the SAT and ACT. Upon completion of the tests, a detailed score report would be generated to assist with your decision in which test you should sit for.

Here are some key similarities and differences between the SAT and ACT:

Comfort with scientific terms and experience gathering
scientific data from charts and graphs will give you a
greater advantage on the ACT.

Essay

Read a passage and explain how the author
uses certain strategies to build an argument
and persuade an audience.

For those who are good at critically analyzing texts.

Analyze three perspectives on an issue and present your own.

For those good at logic and debate.

All About the SAT Scoring System

The SAT Scoring

How is the SAT scored?

The SAT score range is between 400 and 1600 for your total score, and 200-800 for each of your two subscores. One subscore is for Math, and one subscore is your combined Reading and Writing scores to make one “Evidence-Based Reading and Writing” score.

What makes a good SAT score?

It is difficult to quantify what a good SAT Score is. However, you should aim to score within the 90th percentile on average as admissions are highly competitive. Every year, each test taker’s score is updated with the most recent year’s percentiles. To get into the Ivy League or top-tier universities however, we recommend that you try to get a score of 1550 and above to get an edge over other university applicants.

General Information

Exam Dates

Exam Date

Register By

Late Registration

March 9 2019

February 10 2019

February 27 2019

May 4 2019

April 5 2019

April 24 2019

*While the deadline to register for the SAT is stated as being a month before the actual test, we strongly recommend that you sign up for the test as soon as you know you are going to take it. This is because the spots usually run out even before the deadline. To avoid disappointment, please register in advance. Click hereto create an account on the CollegeBoard website.

FAQs

FAQs about the SAT Exam

The SAT is a standardized test published by College Board. This test is most commonly used for college admissions in the United States. To find out more about the SAT, click here.

What is tested on the SAT?

The SAT Reasoning test quizzes your knowledge of Verbal and Mathematical Reasoning. For more information regarding the format of the SAT, click here.

What is a good score?

Admissions are competitive, hence you should aim for a high percentile rank. The percentile rank indicates the percentage of tests taken with scores lower than you for the most recent three-year period. Each year, every test taker’s score is updated with the most recent year’s percentiles. “Good” is therefore subjective, and the definition of a “good score” depends on your objective. Most schools publish average scores of the admitted class. If you are from an over-represented group (e.g. Indian Male Engineer), or if you reside in a region known for higher scores (e.g. Singapore), then you should aim to score commensurately higher than these averages for your target schools. For more information regarding the scoring of the SAT, click here

How do I register for the SAT?

For step-by-step instructions on how to register for the exam, click here

When and where can I take the SAT?

For more information regarding the dates and locations for SAT seatings, click here

How much does the SAT cost?

The test fee is US$110 with the essay, and US$98 without. For any SAT II Subject Tests, the registration fee is US$79 plus US$20 per subject.
For more information regarding the SAT fees, click here

What accommodations does the SAT provide for those with disabilities?

Should you have a disability that will hinder you from taking the SAT under standard conditions, you may request for accommodations. A decision regarding your accommodation request may take up to seven weeks. You must apply for and receive an accommodation decision before scheduling your test date. For more information, click here.

FAQs about SAT Preparation

How long does it take me to prepare for the SAT?

The duration of your preparation necessary is dependent on multiple factors:
• Your target SAT score
• Your initial SAT score
• Number of hours you can devote to preparation every week
• Speed at which you internalize the concepts and apply the necessary approaches.

In order for you to get a 1500+ score, you will need to work smart. There will be work for you to do at home (post-class homework/assignments) with the specific purpose of getting you used to the concepts and techniques we cover. You should also take the initiative to clarify any doubts with the tutors and schedule practice tests so that you can continually track your improvement and learning.

What is the SAT?

Breaking Down The Test

There are four compulsory sections to complete in the SAT Test: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (no calculator) and Math with calculator. These four sections are scored out of a total of 1600. The essay is optional though some top universities consider it essential in your application. SAT Essay scores are reported separately from overall test scores.

Passages
• Classic or contemporary work of U.S. or world literature.
• U.S. founding document or an inspired text in the Great Global Conversation
• Economics, Psychology, Sociology, or other social sciences.
• Foundational concepts and developments in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Focus
• Understanding of the Given Passage
• Effective Use of Textual Evidence
• Examining author’s use of persuasive techniques
• Supporting and developing claims with given evidence
• Organized and precise with appropriate style and tone

The SAT vs. The ACT

A common question we often hear is “What’s the difference between the SAT and ACT?” Both tests are accepted by most universities in the US. However, as they have slight differences, it is recommended that candidates should take the test which they would fare better in. Some students even choose to attempt both before submitting the test with the best score.

Should you be unable to decide which test might be more suitable for you, a good way to gauge your expertise is to attempt a full length practice test for both. IvyPrep offers free diagnostic tests for both the SAT and ACT. Upon completion of the tests, a detailed score report would be generated to assist with your decision in which test you should sit for.

Here are some key similarities and differences between the SAT and ACT:

The SAT Scoring

How is the SAT scored?

The SAT score range is between 400 and 1600 for your total score, and 200-800 for each of your two subscores. One subscore is for Math, and one subscore is your combined Reading and Writing scores to make one “Evidence-Based Reading and Writing” score.

What makes a good SAT score?

It is difficult to quantify what a good SAT Score is. However, you should aim to score within the 90th percentile on average as admissions are highly competitive. Every year, each test taker’s score is updated with the most recent year’s percentiles. To get into the Ivy League or top-tier universities however, we recommend that you try to get a score of 1550 and above to get an edge over other university applicants.

General Information

Exam Dates

Exam Date

Register By

Late Registration

March 9 2019

February 10 2019

February 27 2019

May 4 2019

April 5 2019

April 24 2019

*While the deadline to register for the SAT is stated as being a month before the actual test, we strongly recommend that you sign up for the test as soon as you know you are going to take it. This is because the spots usually run out even before the deadline. To avoid disappointment, please register in advance. Click hereto create an account on the CollegeBoard website.

FAQs

FAQs about the SAT Exam

The SAT is a standardized test published by College Board. This test is most commonly used for college admissions in the United States. To find out more about the SAT, click here.

What is tested on the SAT?

The SAT Reasoning test quizzes your knowledge of Verbal and Mathematical Reasoning. For more information regarding the format of the SAT, click here.

What is a good score?

Admissions are competitive, hence you should aim for a high percentile rank. The percentile rank indicates the percentage of tests taken with scores lower than you for the most recent three-year period. Each year, every test taker’s score is updated with the most recent year’s percentiles. “Good” is therefore subjective, and the definition of a “good score” depends on your objective. Most schools publish average scores of the admitted class. If you are from an over-represented group (e.g. Indian Male Engineer), or if you reside in a region known for higher scores (e.g. Singapore), then you should aim to score commensurately higher than these averages for your target schools. For more information regarding the scoring of the SAT, click here

How do I register for the SAT?

For step-by-step instructions on how to register for the exam, click here

When and where can I take the SAT?

For more information regarding the dates and locations for SAT seatings, click here

How much does the SAT cost?

The test fee is US$110 with the essay, and US$98 without. For any SAT II Subject Tests, the registration fee is US$79 plus US$20 per subject.
For more information regarding the SAT fees, click here

What accommodations does the SAT provide for those with disabilities?

Should you have a disability that will hinder you from taking the SAT under standard conditions, you may request for accommodations. A decision regarding your accommodation request may take up to seven weeks. You must apply for and receive an accommodation decision before scheduling your test date. For more information, click here.

FAQs about SAT Preparation

How long does it take me to prepare for the SAT?

The duration of your preparation necessary is dependent on multiple factors:
• Your target SAT score
• Your initial SAT score
• Number of hours you can devote to preparation every week
• Speed at which you internalize the concepts and apply the necessary approaches.

In order for you to get a 1500+ score, you will need to work smart. There will be work for you to do at home (post-class homework/assignments) with the specific purpose of getting you used to the concepts and techniques we cover. You should also take the initiative to clarify any doubts with the tutors and schedule practice tests so that you can continually track your improvement and learning.